Farm Beginnings®
Training the next generation of farmers in the many skills required to start and expand a successful farm business
Applications due September 18, 2026!
Early bird pricing through August 3, 2026.
What is the Farm Beginnings® Program?
Farm Beginnings® is training the next generation of farmers in the many skills required to start and expand a successful farm business, including passion, clear goals, production experience, financial and marketing expertise, and more. Farm Beginnings® will help you build these skills through one year of farmer-led training, mentoring, and networking.
We support individuals in clarifying their goals and strengths, developing agricultural skills, and growing profitable, equitable, and ecologically sound farm businesses. We employ a holistic management framework that incorporates farmer-led classroom sessions, on-farm tours, mentoring, and an extensive network of farmers. The topics of equity and justice in the food systems are woven into the curriculum, including examples of realistic ways to approach these within the scope of your business models.
The OGS Approach
Guided by our commitment to social justice, our programming is led by farmers and mentors active in food, farming, or social justice. By empowering people with skills, knowledge, and access to resources, together we can build a more diverse, equitable food system that enriches the environment and creates a thriving food and farming community.
We use a holistic management frame, farmer-led classroom sessions, on-farm tours, mentoring, and an extensive farmer network. The topics of equity and justice in the food systems are woven into the curriculum, including examples of realistic approaches within the scope of your business models.
What does Farm Beginnings® include?
The 200+ hr, year-long program consists of:
Training on holistic management, farm business, marketing & financial planning
Sessions taught by regional, experienced farmers
One-year WNC CRAFT Farmer Network membership
Completing and presenting an individualized farm plan
Access to field days with regional partners
Entry to ASAP’s Business of Farming Conference
Entry to OGS’s Spring Conference
15 hr mentorship with an experienced farmer mentor
2025-2026 Farm Beginnings® Farmer Training includes:
Winter Whole-Farm Business Planning Courses – (October – March)**
ASAP’s Business of Farming Conference (February)
OGS Conferences (Spring Conference date TBA)
Mentorship with an experienced Farmer Mentor (March – September) – 15 hours
Production Training – (April – October): WNC CRAFT tours on sustainable farms around WNC
One-year WNC CRAFT Farmer Network membership – Membership and mentoring in a regional farmer network
Upcoming Info Sessions
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July 21, 2026
7 pm on Zoom!
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August 19, 2026
7 pm on Zoom!
Tuition Payment & Policies:
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Cost: $3500 per farm for the current class for up to two farm partners
View our other options below if you need financial support.
An early bird discount may be applied if the application is received by the designated deadline ($100 off tuition).
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Organic Growers School aims to create affordable, broadly accessible programs while providing fair wages to our farmer instructors and dedicated staff. Financial aid for Farm Beginnings® is limited, and we strive to meet the needs to all.
We encourage you to consider a payment plan as your first option for financial support. If requesting funding from OGS, we ask that you consider what would be a stretch but not a strain for you to invest in your education. We will consider the applicant’s level of community involvement and engagement in work related to social justice and sustainable agriculture in Southern Appalachia.
Eligibility Guidelines
Financial need
Passion and capacity for farming
Ability and willingness to give back to the program
Understanding the value of this farmer training education
Submit a scholarship application simultaneously with your Farm Beginnings® application online; follow the link at the end of your application to apply for a scholarship. You will then be prompted to submit the scholarship application questions. If farm partners reside together and share finances, both parties need to submit financial information.
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Payment plans are available, allowing participants to pay the Farm Beginnings fee in four installments. The first payment is due upon receipt of your letter of acceptance, securing your spot in the class. Payment plans will be signed and managed by the finance coordinator.
Subsequent payments are due in the following months, or as otherwise agreed upon. Payments can be made by check, debit, or credit card. A $15 fee applies for late or missed payments.
Please let us know if you are interested, and we will arrange for you to pay via check or set up an online automatic withdrawal.Subsequent payments are due in the following months, or as otherwise agreed upon. Payments can be made by check, debit, or credit card. There is a $15 fee for late or missed payments.
Please let us know if you are interested, and we will make arrangements for you to pay via check or online automatic withdrawals.
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Once you accept admission into the program and begin attending, tuition is due in whole or in part. If you need to withdraw from the course for any reason, refunds cannot be issued.
If you cannot attend for any reason, you may reserve your spot in next year's Farm Beginnings® course. We are happy to send you documentation so that your tuition fee can be recorded as a tax-deductible contribution to the ongoing work of the OGS.
Farm Beginnings® farmer training is approved by the US Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) as an education vendor. As a Farm Beginnings® graduate, your training counts as a year of farm management experience when you apply for a farmland loan through the Farm Service Agency.
Although students do not need to own land, some farming or production experience is required to get the most out of the program.
Meet the Instructors
